Kibbee 'N' Spice and Everything Nice : Popular and Easy Recipes for the Lebanese and American Family [Paperback]

Janet Kalush (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1999

Cooking is Janet Kalush's passion. With a heartfelt "Ahlan Wa Sahlan" she welcomes her guests and makes them feel comfortable and relaxed. She especially loves to share her Lebanese heritage through her cooking. It's a toss-up who has the most enjoyment, the cook or the guests!

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"While examining the recipes in this book, my ample Semitic nose went on a journey of wonderful aromas and tastes from my childhood. I hope Janet's cookbook will take you on a similar journey of great memories and delicious food. Allah Mah Uck (God Be With You)."
--Jamie Farr, Television and Movie Actor

"This book is well-researched and full of a wide range of interesting recipes. Some of my favorite dishes are contained in this collection. Who knew you could do so much with yogurt?"
--Robin Swartz, Food Editor, Lansing State Journal

"I believe that you have inherited from your fore-fathers a dream, a song, a prophecy which you can proudly lay as a gift upon the lap of America."
--Khalil Gibra, Lebanese Poet

About the Author

Janet Kalush was born in Michigan of Lebanese parents, raised her family there, and still resides there with her husband, Blair.

Product Details

• Paperback: 122 pages
• Publisher: J. Lorraine Co. (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967266300
• ISBN-13: 978-0967266305
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Regional & International > Middle Eastern
  • #24 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Regional & International > Asian > Chinese

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Grandmother Memories, March 23, 2001

By 

Leslie Allain (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kibbee 'N' Spice and Everything Nice : Popular and Easy Recipes for the Lebanese and American Family (Paperback)

My grandmother was Irish but married a man of Syrian and Lebanese descent. My favorite memories were of my grandfather grinding the lamb to make kibbe; my grandmother making baba ganoug, stuffed squash and laban and rice and lentils. A dear family friend often spoils my mother and sisters in making wonderful Lebanese feasts yet I am the only one in my generation today who makes these recipes and reading this book brought back wonderful memories of incredible, simple food, great smells and a sense of family dearly missed. Even if you are not Lebanese, the receipes are easy to follow and are fresh, healthy food that everyone can enjoy.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lebanese Food for the Mass, March 12, 2001

By 

Teantae Turner "sistert" (Columbia, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kibbee 'N' Spice and Everything Nice : Popular and Easy Recipes for the Lebanese and American Family (Paperback)

I thoroughly enjoyed making many of the recipes in this cookbook. "Marinated Chicken" was delicious and filled the apartment with wonderful aromas. I can only imagine this one grilled.

The recipe for "Green Beans with Meat" is amazing, and uses such a small amount of meat that vegetarians could leave it out and not heavily affect the taste. Whether served as a main dish over rice or as a side dish, this is one that will appear on my table often.

The only weakness I found was that which the book focused on, simplicity. I longed for further ways to serve falafel beyond the simple "put in pita" listed on the box. Kibbee can be served raw, fried, or baked. It can be stuffed with meat or served plain. In some cases however, the differences were so slight they would have been better listed as variations.

This book accomplishes its goal. By giving you simple recipes for Lebanese foods that we are familiar with, she ensures that the cuisine lives on. This is an especially appealing book for those who are concerned about their diets or are vegetarians looking for food that is not only good for you but taste good too.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Lebanese Cookbook on the Market, July 2, 2000

By 

Elaine Smith (Naples, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kibbee 'N' Spice and Everything Nice : Popular and Easy Recipes for the Lebanese and American Family (Paperback)

Mrs. Kalush has made my favorite Lebanese dishes a joy to prepare. The recipes are clear and simple; the pictures are fabulous! Even I, anything but a "seasoned" cook, can prepare these. Living in a small city with no Middle Eastern restaurants, this cookbook has become one of my favorites. Of special importance to me are the nutritional values included in each recipe. I hope Mrs. Kalush will not stop at this first endeavor...she has an extraordinary talent!